Amazon reveals Prime Twitch and new virtual currency Stream+

Twitch will introduce a virtual currency that allows for gambling, Amazon Game Studios has revealed.

The currency is based on a loyalty points system called Stream+ and will be debuted in new multiplayer team battle game Breakaway. The announcement was made by Amazon, owners of the video game streaming site, at the Twitchcon convention in San Diego.

Advertisement

The Stream+ coins will be awarded when players watch different streams and can be spent on in-game items as well as in “polls and wagering”, the BBC reports Amazon Game Studios’ Patrick Gilmore as saying. There were no real parameters set on how the currency could be used in the reveal, however.

It’s unclear whether coins collected while watching Breakaway could be used in other games in the future or what other perks they could bring. Having used the term “wagering” in the announcement, though, Amazon can expect the UK Gambling Commission to keep close tabs on developments.

The Commission released a paper on virtual currencies used in eSports earlier this year, in which it floated the idea of additional legislation being implemented to cover the issue.

Advertisement

It also made it clear that even if real currency is not used in games, operators will need a license, stating: “Where 'skins' are traded or are tradeable and can therefore act as a de facto virtual currency and facilities for gambling with those items are being offered, we consider a licence is required.” The paper was published after it was revealed that two high-profile YouTube vloggers were promoting a gambling site, CS:GO Lotto, they were also earning money from.

Two other YouTubers that create football gaming content were also charged with promoting unlawful gambling to minors earlier this year. The UK Gambling Commission is seeking to clarify the law to anyone working in these fields, and tighten it where it sees fit.

Amazon, which bought Twitch for $970m (£585m, at that time), also revealed that Twitch Prime will be available as an add-on for Prime subscribers. Customers will get free game downloads each month or add-ons for specific games. The service is otherwise the same as separate offering, Twitch Turbo, which offers ad-free streaming.